Rules Of e Road
2-1
NAVIGATION RULES DEFINED
e Navigation Rules set forth actions to
be followed by boats to avoid collision.
ey are referred to as the “Rules of the
Road”. ere are two main parts referred
to as the inland and international rules.
e inland rules apply to vessels operating
inside the boundaries of the United States.
e international rules referred to as 72 COLREGS apply to vessels
operating on the high seas and all connected waters outside the
established demarcation boundaries. Most navigational charts show
the demarcation lines by red dotted lines and are published in the
navigation rules. Remember to consult state and local agencies since
areas such as “no wake zones” , swimming beaches, “diver down
ag” and inland landlocked lakes fall under their jurisdiction. is
section is only an introduction to the “rules of the road”. We strongly
recommend additional training before getting behind the “wheel”
of your vessel.
You can order the Inland & International Navigation Rules from:
Superintendent of Documents
U. S. Government Printing O ce
Washington, DC 20402
Telephone: (202-512-1800), Fax:(202-512-2250, web-site.
TO AVOID INJURY AND DEATH
FOLLOW THE NAVIGATION “RULES OF THE ROAD”
TO PREVENT COLLISIONS..